5 Best Pet Insurance Companies for Emergencies (2024)

Many pets experience health emergencies at some point in their lifetime. You shouldn’t have to choose between your budget and getting your pet proper emergency care during these moments. Some pet owners opt for pet insurance policies to cover emergencies and other veterinary expenses, such wellness visits and vaccines.

We reviewed more than 20 of the best pet insurance companies to find which offer quality emergency coverage. Keep reading to review our pet insurance comparison and learn which emergency pet insurance providers we recommend.

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Best Overall

4.8

Most Customizable Plans

4.6

Best For New Pet Owners

4.5

Best Deductibles

4.7

Top 5 Pet Insurance Companies for Emergencies

We analyzed each pet insurance company we looked at based on price, plan options, coverage, customer reviews, service, waiting periods, and more to determine our top five choices for the best emergency pet insurance providers.

Compare Pet Insurance Companies

We’ve compared plan options, cost, and waiting periods for the emergency pet insurance providers on our list. Our breakdown below covers the basics for each company and the pros and cons for their policies.

Company	Star Rating	Monthly Cost for Dogs*	Monthly Cost for Cats*	Visit Site
Our Top Pick VISIT SITE	4.8	$33.69	$13.32	VISIT SITE
VISIT SITE	4.6	$38.44	$21.53	VISIT SITE
VISIT SITE	4.7	$65.15	$53.43	VISIT SITE
VISIT SITE	4.7	$44.83	$24.68	VISIT SITE
VISIT SITE	4.7	$44.79	$16.36	VISIT SITE

Lemonade

Best Overall

4.8 Our team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

Lemonade Pros and Cons

Pros Has short two-day waiting period for accidents Is the most affordable provider on our list Offers an annual 5% discount, 10% bundle discount, and 10% multi-pet discount Cons Is only available in 37 states Doesn’t cover pets over a certain age (varies by breed) Has a lower Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating than some competitors

Lemonade Overview

We rated Lemonade 4.8 out of 5. The provider has comprehensive coverage at some of the most affordable rates on this list but is only available in 37 U.S. states.

• Deductibles: $100, $250, $500
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
• Maximum coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000

Why We Chose Lemonade

Lemonade covers much of the care pets need in an emergency, such as hospitalization, surgery, and X-rays. The company also has a short two-day waiting period for accidents. However, Lemonade isn’t available nationwide, and the provider doesn’t insure pets under 2 months old. It also doesn’t insure pets over 14 years old, but some breeds, such as certain bulldog varieties, are capped as young as 7 years old. Most providers that have an upper age limit cap coverage for all breeds at 14 or 15 years old.

Lemonade Rating

Learn more: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review

Spot

Most Customizable Plans

4.6 Our team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

Spot Pros and Cons

Pros Offers unlimited coverage Provides a 10% multi-pet discount Is available nationwide Cons 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses Doesn’t cover pets under 8 weeks old Doesn’t offer as many discounts as some other providers

Spot Overview

We scored Spot 4.6 out of 5. Spot offers more emergency coverage for only a few dollars more per month than Lemonade, but it has a longer waiting period.

• • Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

• • Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%

• • Maximum coverage limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited

Why We Chose Spot

Spot has some of the most comprehensive emergency pet insurance coverage of any company we reviewed. In addition to common emergency treatments like surgeries and X-rays, it covers medical supplies such as casts, splints, and poison control consultation fees. You can opt for an accident-only plan if you want to save money and don’t mind skipping coverage for illnesses.

Spot Rating

Learn more: Spot Pet Insurance Review

Embrace

Best Deductibles

4.7 Our team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

Embrace Pros and Cons

Pros Has an online chat and mobile app Requires only a two-day waiting period for accidents Reduces your deductible $50 each year you don’t file a claim Cons Has limited customer service hours Caps coverage limit options at $30,000 Has a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions

Embrace Overview

Embrace scored a 4.7 out of 5. The company has comparable emergency coverage to other providers but is the most expensive on this list.

• Deductibles: $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
• Maximum coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000

Why We Chose Embrace

Embrace has a good range of deductible options, from as low as $200 up to $1,000. The provider also offers other ways to control your monthly premium, such as multiple discounts. Embrace has a 5% military member discount, 10% multi-pet discount, and a 10% discount for employees of companies that offer Embrace.

Embrace Rating

Learn more: Embrace Pet Insurance Review

Healthy Paws

Best Coverage Limit

4.7 Our team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

Healthy Paws Pros and Cons

Pros Offers unlimited coverage to all customers Is frequently praised by customers for caring about pets Doesn’t require a referral to see a specialist  Cons Waiting periods of 15 days for accidents and illnesses and 12 months for hip dysplasia Caps reimbursement rate options at 80% Only offers two deductible options

Healthy Paws Overview

Healthy Paws has a transparent approach to pet insurance and will recommend other providers if they have better prices for the coverage you want. The company has one of the most expensive monthly premiums on this list, but it offers unlimited coverage. We gave it a 4.7 out of 5 for these reasons.

• Deductibles: $250, $500
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%
• Maximum coverage limits: Unlimited

Why We Chose Healthy Paws

We read more than 100 Healthy Paws reviews, and customers consistently wrote that they feel the company genuinely cares about pets. The provider has a foundation dedicated to pet welfare, and customers wrote that representatives often check in to see how their pets are doing. Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage with no caps per year or per treatment. However, it has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and its highest reimbursement rate is 80%.

Healthy Paws Rating

Get a quote: Get a quote from Healthy Paws

Learn more: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

Figo

Best Extra Coverage Add-On

4.7 Our team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

Figo Pros and Cons

Pros Has a one-day waiting period for accidents Offers unlimited coverage Provides a 100% reimbursement rate option Cons Doesn’t cover pets under 8 weeks old Charges transaction fees in some states Has a six-month waiting period for knee injuries

Figo Overview

We gave Figo a 4.7 out of 5. Its emergency pet insurance coverage is similar to that of other providers on this list. Its prices are on the lower end, but it doesn’t cover pets under 8 weeks old.

• Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
• Maximum coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited

Why We Chose Figo

Figo offers robust emergency and comprehensive coverage. It has a standard accident-and-illness plan plus multiple optional add-ons, such as coverage for boarding fees, burial and cremation fees, lost-pet fees, preventive care, vacation cancellation fees due to pet emergencies, and vet exam fees.

Why We Chose Figo

Get a quote: Get a quote from Figo

Learn more: Figo Pet Insurance Review

How Much Does Emergency Pet Insurance Cost?

Emergency coverage is included in most providers’ standard accident-and-illness plans, which cost $25–$60 per month for the companies on this list. Pet insurance prices vary greatly among providers depending on their coverage and the annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement rate you choose. Your location and your pet’s breed and age also affect your monthly premium.

We went through the quote process with each provider on our list and got the following estimates:

*Sample quotes are for mixed-breed, male dogs in Raleigh, North Carolina, using ages 8 months, 4 years, and 12 years.

*Sample quotes are for mixed-breed, male cats in Raleigh, North Carolina, using ages 8 months, 4 years, and 12 years.

If you’re concerned about the cost of insuring your pet, the cheapest pet insurance providers offer pet health coverage without overextending your budget.

What Is Emergency Pet Insurance?

Emergency pet insurance is a health care policy that helps cover the cost of vet treatments when your pet has an accident or illness. Most providers’ standard accident-and-illness plans cover emergency treatments. Some examples of emergency vet treatments include:

The following veterinary specialists typically accept emergency pet insurance:

Learn more about how pet insurance works in our guide.

Pet Emergencies

Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you think your pet is experiencing a medical emergency. If your pet’s issues don’t appear to be urgent, call your pet insurer’s 24/7 vet helpline. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline for suspected poisonings.

Factors To Consider Before Buying Pet Insurance

Consider these features—and the fine print—before deciding on a pet insurer to get the best coverage at the right price for your budget.

• Add-ons: Most providers have an accident-and-illness plan, but some also have optional add-ons, such as wellness plans for routine pet care. Look for companies that offer these plans if you’re interested in additional coverage.
• Age limits: Some providers have a minimum and maximum age limit for your pet. Check to see if your pet is considered too young or too old to enroll.
• Availability: Not all providers offer coverage nationwide. Check each provider’s site to make sure they’re available in your state.
• Cost: Get a sample quote before committing to any provider to see what your monthly premium will be. You should also look at the options for annual deductibles, annual limits, and reimbursement rates to see how changing these selections impacts your premium.
• Coverage: Coverage varies between providers and between their own plans. Make sure to read the coverage details of each plan to understand exclusions.

Do You Need Emergency Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance isn’t necessary for pet owners, but it can help you save money when an unexpected accident or illness occurs. It can be especially helpful in an emergency when you must make quick decisions about your pet’s health. When your pet is facing an urgent health problem, instead of taking time to evaluate your budget or worrying if you can afford a treatment, your pet insurance will cover some or all of the cost. Having pet insurance that covers emergency treatments can give you peace of mind and help guarantee you can give your pet the quality of health care it needs.

What Is Excluded From Pet Insurance Coverage?

While pet insurance covers a wide range of health costs, there are some limitations. A few examples of the expenses a policy may not cover include:

• Behavioral issues: Training and treatments for behavioral problems, such as anxiety, are likely excluded from policies.
• Boarding fees: Training and treatments for behavioral problems, such as anxiety, are likely excluded from policies.
• Breeding costs: Insurance companies usually don’t cover breeding, whelping, or nursing.
• Grooming and cosmetic procedures: Elective procedures, such as grooming, tail docking, and nail trimming, are excluded from most plans.
• Pre-existing conditions: Your health plan won’t cover accidents or illness your pet experiences prior to enrollment.

Is Emergency Pet Insurance Worth It?

We recommend Lemonade because its emergency coverage is inexpensive, and you can quickly file a claim through the provider’s app. We suggest looking at the policy’s fine print, reading customer reviews, and getting a quote from at least three companies to compare pricing in your area before deciding on an emergency pet insurance provider.

All pet health insurance providers include some degree of emergency medical care coverage in their standard plans, but the specific treatments covered vary. Remember that pet insurance can’t help you if you wait until after an emergency occurs to get it. If you want veterinary bills covered when problems arise, you should enroll in a plan as soon as possible or you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

FAQs About Emergency Pet Insurance

Our Rating Methodology

We’re dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

• Coverage (25)
• Plan options (20)
• Monthly cost (20)
• Company reputation (15)
• Customer service (10)
• Species eligibility (10)

Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.